Applicator devices



Feb. 21, 1961 v. H. ROEHRICH 2,972,161

APPLICATOR DEVICES Filed Sept. 24, 1956 INVENTOR 52 V/cfor H. Roe/614d? ATTORNEY United States Patent APPLICATOR DEVICES Victor H. Roehrich, 2118 Hendon Ave., St. Paul, Minn., assignor of one-half to Emma Diel Roehrich, St. Paul,

Filed Sept. 24, 1956, Ser. No. 611,719

4 Claims. (Cl. 15-543) This invention relates to an improvement in applicator devices and deals particularly with an applicator useful in the dispensing of liquid and semi-solid materials;

In my previous Patent No. 2,625,159, issued January 13, 1953, I disclose an applicator suitable for the dispensing of liquid materials. pensed were almost of necessity flowable materials which were not too viscous to flow from the receptacle when it was tilted or overturned. The present dispenser is capable of dispensing creams, pastes, and other semi-solid materials and to provide a smooth even coating.

A feature of the present invention resides in the provision of a container of the squeeze-bottle type which; are formed of a plastic material which is sufficiently re-- silient to permit the walls of the receptacle to be squeezed together sufliciently to force a portion of the contents through a discharge opening. While bottles of this type are in common use, it is often diflicult to control the flow of material through the discharge opening. If the material to be dispensed is a true liquid such as a lotion, a

perfume or cologne, a liquid deodorant or the like, pressing together the sides of the container has a tendencyito force a stream or continuous spray of material from the discharge opening. If a thick, creamy material such as a pastedentifrice is used in a container of this type, there is a tendency for the slightly hardened material at the opening of the container to resist movement through the discharge opening but once the flow of material has started, it will issue in considerable quantity. It is this difficulty which the present invention avoids.

A feature of the present invention resides in the pro- Vision of an applicating device which includes a collapsible receptacle having a discharge opening, and having some type of plunger means in this opening which either seals or restricts this opening after thedispensing operation has started. As the plunger moves into position to seal the discharge opening when pressure is applied to the contents of the container, a predetermined amount'of material is dispensed. If the plunger restricts .theopening, the fiow of material through the opening can still be controlled.

' A feature of the present invention resides in the provi sion of a container of the type described having a discharge opening and having a plunger means which nor mally projects through theopening. When pressure is applied to the contents being dispensed, the plunger product occurs, it may be loosened by tapping the plunger in a manner to break up this caked product. j Y 7 .These and other objects and novel features of the pres- The materials to be dis 3 Ifitis desired to apply the product to a surface, such 1 what smaller internal diameter.

2,972,161 Patented Feb. 21, 1961 eat invention will be more clearly and fully set forth in the following specification and claims.

In the drawings forming a part of the specification:

Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view through a closed container and applicator showing a form of construction thereof.

Figure 2 is a sectional view through the neck of the container, the position of the section being indicated by the line 2--2 of Figure 1.

Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view through a modified form of applicator construction.

Figure 4 is a top plan view of the cap portion of the applicator shown in Figure 3.

Figure 5 is a sectional view through another modified form of applicator construction.

Figure 6 is a sectional view through an additional modi-- fied form of applicator construction.

Figure 7 is a sectional view through another modified form of applicator construction. I

Figure 8 is a sectional view through the upper portion of the preferred form of applicator.

Figure 9 is a plan view of a resilient washer of the type used in the construction of Figure 5.

The applicator illustrated in Figures 1 and 2 of the drawings is indicated in general by the letter A. This applicator includes a flexible resilient bottle 10 formed of plastic or the like, the bottle having an enlarged body portion 11' and an externally threaded neck 12. A cap 13 is threaded onto the neck 12 of the bottle. The cap 13 includes an internally threaded sleeve or skirt 14 which is connected to an adjoining portion 14 of some- The end 15 of thecap is partially closed but is provided with an axial aperture 16 extending therethrough.

, A plunger 17 is slidable through the aperture 16. The plunger 17 is provided with an enlarged diameter lower portion 19 which is of too large diameter to extend through the aperture 16. The enlarged diameter portion 19 is freely slidable in the portion 14 of the cap and is sufiiciently small so that the material within the body; 11 of the bottle 10 may flow past it. .Alternatively,'the

enlarged portion 19 may have grooves therein or apertures therethroughthrough which the bottle filling maa' perforated plate .20 is interposed between the end of] the bottle neck12 and the smaller diameter cap portion 14. The plate 20 is shown in Figure 2 of the drawings as having a series of perforations 21 extending therethrough, although if preferred a single perforation can be employed. The perforated plate 20 acts to limit the slidable movement of the plunger 17 and holds this plunger extending partially through the aperture 15 in the cap. v

A closure 22 is arranged to fit over the cap 13 and to enclose the same when the applicator is not in use. In the particular arrangement illustrated, the cap or closure 22 frictionally fits over the cap 13 although, if preferred, a threaded engagement could be provided.

When the body portion 11 of the bottle contains a liquid or a semi-solid material and pressure is applied to certain of the walls of this container, this pressure forces some of the material within the bottle through the perforated plate 20. A measured amount of the material from the bottle will flow past the plunger and through the opening 16 before the plunger moves sufiiciently so that theenlarged diameter end 19 thereof seals against the end 15 of the cap 13. Thus each time pressure is applied to the walls of the bottle, a predetermined amount of the material to be dispensed passes through the opening 16.

as might be the case if a liquid or semi-solid deodorant were being applied to the surface of the skin, an even film of material can be spread upon the skin by applying pressure to the bottleand simultaneously pressing the end of the plunger 17 against the surface of the skin. Whenfthe plunger 17 "is slightly retracted, the material from within the bottle "can be dispensed about the plunger, this material being spread by the end of the plunger as the applicator is moved. When the pressure upon the plunger is increased, a slightly greater amount of the material will be dispensed. Thus the applicator may be used to apply a thin even film of a material on a surface such as the surface of the skin. 7

In Figures 3 and 4 of,the drawings, I disclose a modified form of construction such as might be used in the application of a semi-solid material in a ribbon-like film. For example, this applicator may be used in the application of toothpaste to a toothbrush. The applicator is indicated in general by the letter B.

The applicator B includes a bottle-like body 23 having an externally threaded neck24. The cap 25 fits on the neck 24 and includes an internally threaded sleeve 26 and an end closure 27. The cap is designed to be threaded upon the neck 24. V

The cap closure 27 is provided with a generally rectangular slot 29 extending therethrough. This slot 29 is preferably arranged near the center of the cap and the cap is preferably made of a somewhat resilient plastic material such as polyethylene. A'plunger 30 which is generally rectangular in' cross section extends through the aperture 29 with sufficient play so that the material to be dispensed may pass the plunger in a desired amount when required. The plunger 30 is pro- .vided with an enlarged head 31 outwardly of the .cap

end 27 andris provided with an enlargement 32 within the cap. When'the cap is formed of resilient plastic of the type describedthe enlarged headend 31 of the plunger may be inserted through the aperture 29 by spreading the aperture temporarily. However, the enlargement 31 is of suflicient size so that the plunger will not accidentally come out'of the aperture. i

In operation, each time pressure is applied to the bottle body 23, a measured amount of the paste or other material is forced past the plunger 29 before, the enlarged diameter portion 32 engages against the cap end 27. If a continuous flow of the material is desired, this may be accomplished byapplying aslight inward pressure to the enlarged end 31 of the plunger 30. Thus by simultaneously applying pressure to the bottle body 23 and inward pressure 'to the plunger 30, thematerialmay be dispensed.

.Due to the fiat form of the plunger 30, the material will issue in, a flat stream or ribbon. If a difierently shaped stream of material is desired, the plunger maybe .correspondingly shaped;

In Figure of the drawings, a quite similar applicator C is illustrated; The applicator C includes a bottle-like body 33 having an externally threaded neck 34. The

bottle body, similar to the bottle bodies 11 and 23,. is

made of a resilient plastic material so that the material within the bottle may be dispensed by applying a 'squeezing forceto the walls of the body. 7

preferably in the center of the cap.

A washer 38 of resilient material is mounted on the bottle neck 34 and held in place by a shoulder 39 of the cap 35. Thewasher 33 is made of resilient plastic or rubber like material and is .cut to provide inwardly projeeting fingers 40. A plunger 41 is generally cylindrical havingtapered or rounded ends. The outer,'or upper, end of the plunger 4 is held 'against the flange 36 b} the washer 33 to close the opening 37.

Vheniinward pressure is exerted against the walls .of

the bottle body 33, the material within the bottle is urged against the plunger, sealing it against the flange 36. However, as the outer end of the plunger projects slightly beyond the end of the cap 35, the plunger may be retracted slightly under pressure, and some of the material within the bottle may flow past the plunger. When retracted, the'outer end of the plunger is virtually flush with the end of the cap, thus forming a smooth surface for spreading the material dispensed. The interposition of the perforated washer also greatly aids in keeping viscous solutions directly under the discharge opening, so that solution, rather than air, can be discharged even when the bottle is in an upright position.

Figure 6 of the drawings shows a slightly difierent form of applicator D. The applicator D includes a bottlelike body 42 having an externally threaded neck 43. The bottle is preferably formed of flexible, resilient material. A cap 44 having an internally threaded sleeve 45 is mounted upon the neck 43.

The cap 44 is provided with an end closure 46 having a central aperture 47 extending therethrough. A plunger 49 extends through the opening 47 and is provided with an enlarged applicator end 50 thereupon. A sleeve 51 is pressed .onto or is otherwise attached to the inner end of the plunger 49 to limit the outward movement of this plunger. I

The operation of the applicator D is similar to the operation of the previously described applicators in that when pressure is applied to the body 42, a measured amount of material from the interior of the bottle body is dispensed before the aperture 47 is closed. The plunger fits freely enough in the aperture to permit the material to flow thereby. The amount of. clearance or the difference in size between the plunger and its apertureis determined by the viscosity of the'material to be dispensed and upon the amount of material which would normally be dispensed at a time.

In Figure 7 of the drawings a slightly different applicator E is illustrated. This applicator includes a hollow,

resilient body 52 having a neck 53 thereupon the extremity of which is externally threaded as. indicated at 54. A cap 55 is threaded on to the externally threaded neck portion 54 and includes an end closure 56 having an aperture 57 extending therethrough. In the particular arrangement illustrated, a porous Water absorbent pad such as a'disc of sponge or the like is indicated at 59 and is attached to the exterior surface of the plate56. The

pad 59 may have a central aperture 60 extending there- 53 and'includes an enlargement 62 which is engageable' against the'inner surface of the cap closure 56 to normally close this opening. A spring'63 may be provided to normally urge the shoulder 62 into closed'positio'n.

The 'pad 59 is sufliciently compressible so that the plunger 61 will be retracted'when the pad is pressed against asurface. For example, if the applicator is used to contain a liquid material which is'to be applied to the surface of the skin, 1 when pressure is applied to the bottle body'52 and when the pad 59 is slightly compressed, fluid will pass by the plunger and into the absorbent pad, from which it may be applied to the surface of the skin. This type ofconstruction is similar to the previously/described constructions in that the plunger is not'moved by the application-0f pressureto the walls of the bottle body until theplunger is retracted.

Figure BmflhedraWin'gs' discloses are preferred form .Li- A 4..

of construction F. In this construction, the applicator is provided with a bottle body 64, only a portion of which is illustrated in the drawings. The bottle body is preferably formed of resilient flexible material and is provided with a bottle neck 65. The neck 65 is externally threaded to accommodate a cap 66. The cap 66 1 is provided with a lower threaded portion 67 and an upper sleeve portion 69 of reduced diameter. The sleeve 69 is provided with an aperture 70 extending therethrough, the end of the aperture 70 being of slightly smaller diameter as indicated at 71.

An apertured disc 72 is interposed between the end of the bottle neck 65 and the shoulder formed between the portions of the cap 66 which are of different diameter. A plunger 73 is slidably supported between the apertured plate 72 and the restricted end 71 of the aperture 70.

When inward pressure is applied to the bottle body 64, the plunger 73 is forced into engagement with the extremity 71 of the aperture. During the movement of the plunger, the slightly delayed movement of the plunger allows a small amount of liquid or semi-liquid material to escape past the plunger 73 through the opening 71.

Thus it will be seen that the applicator may be used to apply a measured quantity of liquid or semi-liquid material to a surface or may apply a thin film of material to a surface as is desired. In dispensing the material, the applicant preferably employs a resilient and flexible bottle or container which may be compressed together to expel the contents.

In accordance with the patent statutes, I have described the principles of construction and operation of my applicator device, and while I have endeavored to set forth the best embodiment thereof, I desire to have it understood that obvious changes may be made within the scope of the following claims without departing from the spirit of my invention.

I claim:

1. An applicator including a hollow container of flexible resilient material provided with a discharge opening at its upper end, the walls of said container being capable of flexing inwardly to expel the container contents, a cap secured to the upper end of said container and having a generally cylindrical passage extending therethrough from said discharge opening, said passage hav ing an inwardly tapering upper end providing a reduced diameter seat portion, a generally cylindrical plunger disposed in said passage and being properly proportioned to permit flow of material from within said container about said plunger through said cap passage, said plunger having a substantially flat upper end with a tapered upper edge complementing said seat portion whereby said edge will bear against said seat portion to limit movement of said plunger by said material only to the extent that the upper end thereof will be flush with the upper end of said cap, and a perforated partition extending across said discharge opening against which the lower end of said plunger may bear, said plunger overlying the perforation of said partition and forming a seal for said perforation in one position thereof, said plunger thereby being slidable between one extreme position defined by said seat portion and an opposite extreme position defined by said partition.

2. The construction described in claim 1 and in which said perforated partition comprises a flexible resilient washer.

3. An applicator including a hollow resilient flexible container having a neck thereupon through which material may flow, said container having walls which may be flexed inwardly to expel the container contents through said neck, a cap attached to said neck and including an end closure having an aperture therethrough, a perforated washer inserted between said cap and said neck, a plunger slidable longitudinally of said neck, said plunger having a substantially flat outer end, said plunger bearing against said perforated washer in one extreme position thereof and sealing the perforations thereof, and said plunger engaging said end closure and providing a seal therefor in the other extreme position thereof, the fiat end of said plunger being substantially flush with the outer end of said cap when in said other extreme position.

4. The construction described in claim 3 and in which said washer comprises a flexible resilient disc.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 868,609 Martin Oct. 15, 1907 1,848,846 Schell Mar. 8, 1932 2,129,186 Sturm et al Sept. 6, 1938 2,529,554 Katzmann Nov. 14, 1950 2,556,571 Bobbs et al June 12, 1951 2,575,180 Lurz NOV. 13, 1951 2,714,475 Roehrich Aug. 2, 1955 2,807,817 Ackerman Oct. 1, 1957 

